My buddy Bill Ellis took a swing at the EKU Colonel mascot the other day, and if comments in the Richmond Register are any measure, about 14% of the people agree with his assessment. I understand that he has been asked to consider relocating...to Morehead!!
The Colonel could be seen as an anachronistic manifestation of a historical memory of Kentucky's past that never really was. It's attachment to "the lost cause" harkens back to the deep south more than Kentucky - memories better left in the past.
For example:
But the EKU "Colonel" alone does not seem to be so fixed in people's minds as derogatory, in quite the same way, say Washington "Redskins" is a slur against American Indians. Plus President Benson's defense is well covered by the state's continued use of Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonel's as it's highest civic honor - reserved for only the best citizens. Kentucky Colonels are said to be compassionate, proud, yet humble leaders, who are gentle, but strong in will, and commitment to preserve our rich heritage.
But somehow, I still received two (1969 & somewhere in the mid 80s) without thinking of our rich heritage once.
This from the Herald-Leader:
This from William Ellis in the Richmond Register:
The Colonel could be seen as an anachronistic manifestation of a historical memory of Kentucky's past that never really was. It's attachment to "the lost cause" harkens back to the deep south more than Kentucky - memories better left in the past.
For example:
“Our poor country has fallen a prey to the conqueror. The noblest cause ever defended by the sword is lost. The noble dead that sleep in their shallow though honored graves are far more fortunate than their survivors. I thought I had sounded the profoundest depth of human feeling, but this is the bitterest hour of my life.”
---Colonel John Singleton Mosby
But the EKU "Colonel" alone does not seem to be so fixed in people's minds as derogatory, in quite the same way, say Washington "Redskins" is a slur against American Indians. Plus President Benson's defense is well covered by the state's continued use of Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonel's as it's highest civic honor - reserved for only the best citizens. Kentucky Colonels are said to be compassionate, proud, yet humble leaders, who are gentle, but strong in will, and commitment to preserve our rich heritage.
But somehow, I still received two (1969 & somewhere in the mid 80s) without thinking of our rich heritage once.
This from the Herald-Leader:
Eastern Kentucky University President Michael Benson attempted to squelch a potential dust-up in higher education Monday when he declared that EKU's mascot will remain the Colonel.
"The Commonwealth of Kentucky has a long-standing practice of bestowing its highest recognition — Honorary Kentucky Colonel — to those deemed worthy by the governor," Benson said in a statement. "Eastern Kentucky University embraces the same philosophy of bestowing its highest recognition — EKU Colonel — to our worthy students pursuing their educational and personal goals."
Benson was responding to retired EKU professor Williams Ellis, who wrote letters to both the student paper, the Eastern Progress, and the Richmond Register, recommending that EKU brave the modern world with a new mascot.
"The Colonel mascot was anachronistic even when it was chosen and is even more out-dated in the early 21st century," wrote Ellis, the author of The History of Education in Kentucky. "Even the modern redesign of the Colonel logo a few years ago is of no help in separating Eastern Kentucky University from a bygone era.
The Richmond Register conducted an online poll on the question, with unscientific results showing 455 in favor of keeping the hatted figure and 76 who want a new mascot.
This from William Ellis in the Richmond Register:
My love of Eastern Kentucky University runs long and deep.
In 1967, I graduated with an M.A. in History in the first class after the school was granted university status the previous year. Eastern redirected my life and the faculty encouraged me to continue my graduate studies. I was granted a Ph.D. in history from the University of Kentucky in 1974.
After three years of teaching at Lees Junior College I came back to teach at EKU in 1970, eventually retiring after 29 years in 1999.
The University Press of Kentucky published my history of EKU in 2005 and “A History of Education in Kentucky” in 2011.
I have developed rather strong, and I think well-grounded thoughts, about what faces Kentucky higher education in the future.
The days of boundless growth, such as in the post World War II years through the early 1970s are gone.
Eastern has settled into a 16,000 or so enrollment. Unless, the General Assembly develops the backbone to push higher education to new levels in Kentucky, there will not be much growth if any in the coming years.
Perhaps improved educational standards will help by preparing more Kentucky high school graduates for college. However, even that is problematical.
If Eastern wants to keep its high standards, maintain a fine faculty and appeal to not only Kentucky students but to those in other states and abroad, I agree with the current administration that “branding” is of utmost importance.
With all my years of experience as a teacher, historian, and participant in the Eastern community, I offer this suggestion. The time has come to drop the “Colonel” as Eastern’s mascot/logo.
Eastern’s original nickname was “the Maroons,” which was changed in the 1960s at the insistence of President Robert R. Martin. Centre College had had that same designation since the early 20th century.
The Colonel mascot was anachronistic even when it was chosen and is even more out-dated in the early 21st century. Even the modern redesign of the Colonel logo a few years ago is of no help in separating Eastern Kentucky University from a bygone era.
Is EKU now going to join the 21st century as a modern, forward-looking university? It has already in so many ways. It’s undergraduate and graduate programs are nationally ranked. Why don’t we say goodbye to the old Colonel and get a new branding what will have a wider appeal? - See more at: http://richmondregister.com/viewpoints/x1836131741/Time-for-Eastern-to-drop-its-Colonel-mascot#sthash.qtHOm36x.dpuf
In 1967, I graduated with an M.A. in History in the first class after the school was granted university status the previous year. Eastern redirected my life and the faculty encouraged me to continue my graduate studies. I was granted a Ph.D. in history from the University of Kentucky in 1974.
After three years of teaching at Lees Junior College I came back to teach at EKU in 1970, eventually retiring after 29 years in 1999.
The University Press of Kentucky published my history of EKU in 2005 and “A History of Education in Kentucky” in 2011.
I have developed rather strong, and I think well-grounded thoughts, about what faces Kentucky higher education in the future.
The days of boundless growth, such as in the post World War II years through the early 1970s are gone.
Eastern has settled into a 16,000 or so enrollment. Unless, the General Assembly develops the backbone to push higher education to new levels in Kentucky, there will not be much growth if any in the coming years.
Perhaps improved educational standards will help by preparing more Kentucky high school graduates for college. However, even that is problematical.
If Eastern wants to keep its high standards, maintain a fine faculty and appeal to not only Kentucky students but to those in other states and abroad, I agree with the current administration that “branding” is of utmost importance.
With all my years of experience as a teacher, historian, and participant in the Eastern community, I offer this suggestion. The time has come to drop the “Colonel” as Eastern’s mascot/logo.
Eastern’s original nickname was “the Maroons,” which was changed in the 1960s at the insistence of President Robert R. Martin. Centre College had had that same designation since the early 20th century.
The Colonel mascot was anachronistic even when it was chosen and is even more out-dated in the early 21st century. Even the modern redesign of the Colonel logo a few years ago is of no help in separating Eastern Kentucky University from a bygone era.
Is EKU now going to join the 21st century as a modern, forward-looking university? It has already in so many ways. It’s undergraduate and graduate programs are nationally ranked. Why don’t we say goodbye to the old Colonel and get a new branding what will have a wider appeal? - See more at: http://richmondregister.com/viewpoints/x1836131741/Time-for-Eastern-to-drop-its-Colonel-mascot#sthash.qtHOm36x.dpuf
My love of Eastern Kentucky University runs long and deep.
In 1967, I graduated with an M.A. in History in the first class after the school was granted university status the previous year. Eastern redirected my life and the faculty encouraged me to continue my graduate studies. I was granted a Ph.D. in history from the University of Kentucky in 1974.
After three years of teaching at Lees Junior College I came back to teach at EKU in 1970, eventually retiring after 29 years in 1999.
The University Press of Kentucky published my history of EKU in 2005 and “A History of Education in Kentucky” in 2011.
I have developed rather strong, and I think well-grounded thoughts, about what faces Kentucky higher education in the future.
The days of boundless growth, such as in the post World War II years through the early 1970s are gone.
Eastern has settled into a 16,000 or so enrollment. Unless, the General Assembly develops the backbone to push higher education to new levels in Kentucky, there will not be much growth if any in the coming years.
Perhaps improved educational standards will help by preparing more Kentucky high school graduates for college. However, even that is problematical.
If Eastern wants to keep its high standards, maintain a fine faculty and appeal to not only Kentucky students but to those in other states and abroad, I agree with the current administration that “branding” is of utmost importance.
With all my years of experience as a teacher, historian, and participant in the Eastern community, I offer this suggestion. The time has come to drop the “Colonel” as Eastern’s mascot/logo.
Eastern’s original nickname was “the Maroons,” which was changed in the 1960s at the insistence of President Robert R. Martin. Centre College had had that same designation since the early 20th century.
The Colonel mascot was anachronistic even when it was chosen and is even more out-dated in the early 21st century. Even the modern redesign of the Colonel logo a few years ago is of no help in separating Eastern Kentucky University from a bygone era.
Is EKU now going to join the 21st century as a modern, forward-looking university? It has already in so many ways. It’s undergraduate and graduate programs are nationally ranked. Why don’t we say goodbye to the old Colonel and get a new branding what will have a wider appeal? - See more at: http://richmondregister.com/viewpoints/x1836131741/Time-for-Eastern-to-drop-its-Colonel-mascot#sthash.qtHOm36x.dpuf
In 1967, I graduated with an M.A. in History in the first class after the school was granted university status the previous year. Eastern redirected my life and the faculty encouraged me to continue my graduate studies. I was granted a Ph.D. in history from the University of Kentucky in 1974.
After three years of teaching at Lees Junior College I came back to teach at EKU in 1970, eventually retiring after 29 years in 1999.
The University Press of Kentucky published my history of EKU in 2005 and “A History of Education in Kentucky” in 2011.
I have developed rather strong, and I think well-grounded thoughts, about what faces Kentucky higher education in the future.
The days of boundless growth, such as in the post World War II years through the early 1970s are gone.
Eastern has settled into a 16,000 or so enrollment. Unless, the General Assembly develops the backbone to push higher education to new levels in Kentucky, there will not be much growth if any in the coming years.
Perhaps improved educational standards will help by preparing more Kentucky high school graduates for college. However, even that is problematical.
If Eastern wants to keep its high standards, maintain a fine faculty and appeal to not only Kentucky students but to those in other states and abroad, I agree with the current administration that “branding” is of utmost importance.
With all my years of experience as a teacher, historian, and participant in the Eastern community, I offer this suggestion. The time has come to drop the “Colonel” as Eastern’s mascot/logo.
Eastern’s original nickname was “the Maroons,” which was changed in the 1960s at the insistence of President Robert R. Martin. Centre College had had that same designation since the early 20th century.
The Colonel mascot was anachronistic even when it was chosen and is even more out-dated in the early 21st century. Even the modern redesign of the Colonel logo a few years ago is of no help in separating Eastern Kentucky University from a bygone era.
Is EKU now going to join the 21st century as a modern, forward-looking university? It has already in so many ways. It’s undergraduate and graduate programs are nationally ranked. Why don’t we say goodbye to the old Colonel and get a new branding what will have a wider appeal? - See more at: http://richmondregister.com/viewpoints/x1836131741/Time-for-Eastern-to-drop-its-Colonel-mascot#sthash.qtHOm36x.dpuf
My love of Eastern Kentucky University runs long and deep.This from EKU Student Nicole Svenson in the Register:
In 1967, I graduated with an M.A. in History in the first class after the school was granted university status the previous year. Eastern redirected my life and the faculty encouraged me to continue my graduate studies. I was granted a Ph.D. in history from the University of Kentucky in 1974.
After three years of teaching at Lees Junior College I came back to teach at EKU in 1970, eventually retiring after 29 years in 1999.
The University Press of Kentucky published my history of EKU in 2005 and “A History of Education in Kentucky” in 2011.
I have developed rather strong, and I think well-grounded thoughts, about what faces Kentucky higher education in the future.
The days of boundless growth, such as in the post World War II years through the early 1970s are gone.
Eastern has settled into a 16,000 or so enrollment. Unless, the General Assembly develops the backbone to push higher education to new levels in Kentucky, there will not be much growth if any in the coming years.
Perhaps improved educational standards will help by preparing more Kentucky high school graduates for college. However, even that is problematical.
If Eastern wants to keep its high standards, maintain a fine faculty and appeal to not only Kentucky students but to those in other states and abroad, I agree with the current administration that “branding” is of utmost importance.
With all my years of experience as a teacher, historian, and participant in the Eastern community, I offer this suggestion. The time has come to drop the “Colonel” as Eastern’s mascot/logo.
Eastern’s original nickname was “the Maroons,” which was changed in the 1960s at the insistence of President Robert R. Martin. Centre College had had that same designation since the early 20th century.
The Colonel mascot was anachronistic even when it was chosen and is even more out-dated in the early 21st century. Even the modern redesign of the Colonel logo a few years ago is of no help in separating Eastern Kentucky University from a bygone era.
Is EKU now going to join the 21st century as a modern, forward-looking university? It has already in so many ways. It’s undergraduate and graduate programs are nationally ranked. Why don’t we say goodbye to the old Colonel and get a new branding what will have a wider appeal?
Colonels are those who rise above the rest
RICHMOND —
Dear Editor:
I am emailing you in response to the Richmond Register's Guest Columnist William E. Ellis' article "Time for Eastern to drop it's Colonel Mascot."
I understand that the article is in his opinion, but it bothers me that someone like an alumnus would suggest changing our mascot.
The Colonel may not be a 21st Century figure, but throughout history a colonel is defined as an officer of high rank. Colonels are the leaders of the troops, which means they rose above the rest to be the best.
To bring up the fact that EKU was once nicknamed the Maroons is outdated. We were the Maroons a long time ago, and other colleges distorted that name, calling us the “Morons.”
EKU is an outstanding university, and it is only getting bigger. We do not need to change our mascot to make it more appealing. Tradition is; that’s why I came to EKU.
Eastern Kentucky University is a leader in many aspects. Our programs rise above the rest, and our students come from all walks of life to receive their education. Yet in Mr. Ellis’ opinion, we need to change?
Sorry to Mr. Ellis for bashing his article, but I can tell you right now EKU is 21st Century with all the history that this campus holds, and the Colonel mascot follows suit. Our Colonel is more than just a mascot, The Colonel is the spirit of EKU.
Nicole Svenson
EKU student
- See more at: http://richmondregister.com/viewpoints/x2112897215/Letter-to-the-Editor#sthash.46TByDnr.dpufI am emailing you in response to the Richmond Register's Guest Columnist William E. Ellis' article "Time for Eastern to drop it's Colonel Mascot."
I understand that the article is in his opinion, but it bothers me that someone like an alumnus would suggest changing our mascot.
The Colonel may not be a 21st Century figure, but throughout history a colonel is defined as an officer of high rank. Colonels are the leaders of the troops, which means they rose above the rest to be the best.
To bring up the fact that EKU was once nicknamed the Maroons is outdated. We were the Maroons a long time ago, and other colleges distorted that name, calling us the “Morons.”
EKU is an outstanding university, and it is only getting bigger. We do not need to change our mascot to make it more appealing. Tradition is; that’s why I came to EKU.
Eastern Kentucky University is a leader in many aspects. Our programs rise above the rest, and our students come from all walks of life to receive their education. Yet in Mr. Ellis’ opinion, we need to change?
Sorry to Mr. Ellis for bashing his article, but I can tell you right now EKU is 21st Century with all the history that this campus holds, and the Colonel mascot follows suit. Our Colonel is more than just a mascot, The Colonel is the spirit of EKU.
Nicole Svenson
EKU student
Dear Editor:
I am emailing you in response to the Richmond Register's Guest Columnist William E. Ellis' article "Time for Eastern to drop it's Colonel Mascot."
I understand that the article is in his opinion, but it bothers me that someone like an alumnus would suggest changing our mascot.
The Colonel may not be a 21st Century figure, but throughout history a colonel is defined as an officer of high rank. Colonels are the leaders of the troops, which means they rose above the rest to be the best.
To bring up the fact that EKU was once nicknamed the Maroons is outdated. We were the Maroons a long time ago, and other colleges distorted that name, calling us the “Morons.”
EKU is an outstanding university, and it is only getting bigger. We do not need to change our mascot to make it more appealing. Tradition is; that’s why I came to EKU.
Eastern Kentucky University is a leader in many aspects. Our programs rise above the rest, and our students come from all walks of life to receive their education. Yet in Mr. Ellis’ opinion, we need to change?
Sorry to Mr. Ellis for bashing his article, but I can tell you right now EKU is 21st Century with all the history that this campus holds, and the Colonel mascot follows suit. Our Colonel is more than just a mascot, The Colonel is the spirit of EKU.
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